How to Choose Special Care and Nursing Facilities for the Elderly

Updated on April 18, 2012

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Everyone grows old and this is a fact. Moreover, as one ages special care is necessary to continue enjoying quality of life. But the balance between independent living and getting this special care is no easy business. Although there are numerous licensed health care providers and nursing facilities all over the world, it is important to find one that suits the person. Adult care management is not something to be taken lightly. In fact, before you even consider putting someone you love in an assisted living facility, consider some of these basic questions.

Adult care home services and activities

Although there are numerous alternative care facilities available, it is important that compare the services offered to suit the specific needs of the person. Some of the most common services include cooking and meal services, eating assistance for the elderly, bathing and dressing up services. In some nursing homes, licensed health care providers offer special programs and activities like sports and wellness programs, social activities and medical care program. There are many assisted living facilities that provide transportations services to and from locations such as malls, places of interests, functions and other social gatherings. Lastly, you may want to choose an alternative care facility with 24-hour security.

What services do I consider important?

What services are good to have but not necessary?

Are the activities available interesting for the elderly?

Are the services available appropriate for the elderly?

What security protocols are put in place for the protection of its tenants?

Dancing is one activity common in adult care facilities. | Source

Facilities available to the tenant

It is always a good idea to visit the place before deciding which adult care management facility you will choose. Of course brochures and websites offer valuable information, but it pays to see it firsthand. By visiting the nursing home you get to check what facilities are available.

How updated are their facilities?

Are the facilities up to standards?

What facilities are available to its tenants?

Are the facilities well maintained?

Staff impressions and expertise

One important facet to consider in an adult care home is the staff that they employ. How the employees interact with their tenants is very important. Licensed health care providers must be compassionate, patient and most importantly understanding. Since their tenants are advance in age, they must be sensitive to their needs. Moreover, health care providers must have the basic competencies from first aid, basic life support, and other specializations that they require. In the end, you should ask yourself if you trust the staff with someone you love.

How do the personnel treat its tenants?

What special trainings do the staffs receive?

What accreditations and licenses do the licensed health care providers have?

Are there enough personnel to attend to the needs of the tenants?

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Certifications and accreditations

Another important aspect of the nursing facility to look into is its certifications and accreditations. Of course you want to choose a place that is up to the standards of government agencies and medical professionals. By asking for accreditations and certifications, you get a chance to look at how serious the administrators of the facility are when it comes to providing the right services.

What accreditations and certifications are awarded to the adult care home?

Who certified and accredited the facility?

How often is the recertification and reaccreditation?

Other tenants of the assisted living facility

One of the most important considerations in looking for the most appropriate assisted living facilities is its current tenants. One aspect is looking at the social dynamics in the nursing home. Remember that your love one has to live with them. Finding their social group is important. Of course there’s no perfect place and group of people. But at least get to feel how the social dynamics work. Another aspect to consider is the wellbeing of the tenants. It is one thing to listen to the sales spiels of the adult care home and it’s another to actually see it. So whenever you can talk to the people actually living there.

How happy are the tenants there?

Do the tenants seem to be easy to get along with?

What do the tenants like the most in this place?

What do the tenants think should be improved?

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What does the future tenant think about the place?

In the end, you must consider what your parent or love one thinks about the place. He/she is the one who will live there. Asking for feedback is important so that you can choose the right adult care home.

How does your parent or love one feels about the adult care management facility?

What does he want in terms of special care?

What does he/she expects from the nursing facility?

Does she/he want to stay in an assisted living facility?

It is never easy to find the perfect adult care facility. Moreover, it is difficult to trust a stranger with someone you love. As such, you must dig deep into the background of the facility so that you get all the pertinent information. Moreover, you need to be sure that your parent or the person you love will have a comfortable life here. Although there are special care facilities almost everywhere, not everyone feels the same about it.

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Comments 8 comments

Excellent advice jpcmc! In England there is a real social stigma about putting people in care,(bred by the government telling people they should care for people at home) so families have to deal with their guilt at not being able to cope as well as all the other issues involved in finding the right care home! Articles like this should help people realise that it's ok to put loved ones in care, and it's also ok to be choosy about the expectations of the home! Voted up and useful!

jpcmc 4 years ago from Quezon CIty, Phlippines Author

Hi there Jennifer Stone. The truth is I don't want to put my parents in an adult care home. It is the culture of Filipinos to take care of their family. But not everyone has the same culture as we do. I personally believe that if I can take care of my family - my parents then I will do it. However, there are those who choose to put them in special care facilities. If they do choose this option, then finding the right place is very important. I hope this article helps people choose the right nursing home.

Thank you for visiting and sharing your ideas.

Eiddwen 4 years ago from Wales

A geat hub ;I found it really interesting so thank you for sharing;take care and enjoy your day.

Eddy.

jpcmc 4 years ago from Quezon CIty, Phlippines Author

Hello Eiddwen. Thank you for reading. I'm glad you found the hub interesting. See you around.

Thelma Alberts 4 years ago from Germany

Very informative! You have great tips here. What I always wanted to know about: Is there a special care and nursing homes for the elderly in our country Philippines? I am away for a very long years now so I don´t know. Me as a Filipina, don´t send my parents to the homes for the aged. My sisters will take care (when I´m away) with my financial sofort. I think they are better serve at home with their relatives than in the "homes".

Thanks for sharing and for your follow.

jpcmc 4 years ago from Quezon CIty, Phlippines Author

Hi Thelma. Yes, we do have nursing homes here. The Home For The Aged is one such facility. However, it lacks the needed funds and equipment. There are also other homes for people with special needs.

It's a Filipino culture to personally take care of parents. I don't see myself sending my parents to nursing homes as well.

Have a great day and see you around.

Nate Penn 4 years ago

I'm a Filipina but I grew up in the US. Now that I'm residing here in the Philippines with my husband, I get to experience Filipino culture first hand. One thing I noticed is the close family ties. I rarely see senior citizens living in nursing homes here.

jpcmc 4 years ago from Quezon CIty, Phlippines Author

Hello Nate,

Filipinos will take care of their families especially those advance in age. This is something I see as a positive Filipino trait. Although there are special nursing homes for the aged, not everyone likes the idea of sending their family to these places.